Homebush Mill - Revision history

Bmhcjs at 05:39, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T05:39:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 16 January 2026
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	\| owner = [[CSR Sugar]]		\| owner = [[CSR Sugar]]
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = 65,000 tonnes, seasonal average prior to closure		\| crush = 65,000 tonnes (seasonal average prior to closure)
	}}~~The~~ '''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on [[Sandy Creek]] in the [[Mackay Region\|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.~~<ref name="mackayhist">Mackay History. [http://www.mackayhistory.org/research/sugar_mills/homebush.html Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>~~		}}
			'''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on Sandy Creek in the [[Mackay Region\|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.

	== History ==		== History ==
	=== Establishment ===		=== Establishment ===
	The land comprising the Homebush run was originally selected by John Mackay in 1862 for grazing purposes. By the late 1870s, ~~the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (~~CSR) sought to expand its operations into Queensland to counter competition from local white sugars against its New South Wales production.~~<ref name="mackayhist" />~~		The land comprising the Homebush run was originally selected by John Mackay in 1862 for grazing purposes. By the late 1870s, CSR sought to expand its operations into Queensland to counter competition from local white sugars against its New South Wales production.

	CSR purchased the Homebush selection in 1881. Unlike many contemporary mills that purchased cane from independent small growers, Homebush was established primarily as a plantation mill, with the company intending to cultivate large tracts of its own cane.<ref name="~~lrrsa~~">Light Railway Research Society of Australia. ~~[https://www.lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGRb.htm~~ Sugar cane transport~~]. Retrieved 11 January 2026~~.</ref> Construction of the mill commenced in July 1881, utilising machinery ordered from [[Mirrlees, Tait and Watson]] of [[Glasgow]]. ~~The factory was housed in a building measuring 60 by 33 metres and included two triple effets from the Fives-Lille Company.<ref name="mackayhist" />~~		CSR purchased the Homebush selection in 1881. Unlike many contemporary mills that purchased cane from independent small growers, Homebush was established primarily as a plantation mill, with the company intending to cultivate large tracts of its own cane.<ref name="LRRSA_Transport">Light Railway Research Society of Australia. "Sugar cane transport".</ref> Construction of the mill commenced in July 1881, utilising machinery ordered from [[Mirrlees, Tait and Watson]] of [[Glasgow]].

	=== Operations ===		=== Operations ===
	The mill commenced crushing on 3 September 1883. It was designed with a capacity to treat between 45,000 and 50,000 tons of cane per season.<ref name="~~mackayhist~~" />		The mill commenced crushing on 3 September 1883. It was designed with a capacity to treat between 45,000 and 50,000 tons of cane per season. Labour shortages were a persistent issue during the mill's early years. CSR initially imported Cingalese (Sri Lankan) and Chinese labourers in 1882, followed by Javanese workers in 1885.<ref name="MackayHist_Homebush">Mackay Historical Society. "Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922".</ref>

	~~Labour shortages were a persistent issue during~~ the mill~~'s early years~~. CSR ~~initially imported Cingalese~~ (~~Sri Lankan~~) ~~and Chinese labourers in 1882, followed by Javanese workers in 1885. Following the prohibition of Javanese labour importation by the Dutch government in 1886~~, ~~Japanese labourers were employed in~~ the ~~1890s~~.~~<ref name="mackayfamily">Mackay Family History Society~~. ~~[https://www~~.~~mackayfamilyhistory.org.au/homebush/ Homebush – glimpses of~~ the ~~past]. Retrieved 11 January 2026~~.~~</ref>~~		In 1891, CSR began subdividing its estate land, allowing farmers to purchase plots and supply cane to the mill independently. It was during its operations at Homebush that CSR helped develop the P.O.C.S. (Pure Obtainable Cane Sugar) formula, which eventually evolved into the C.C.S. (Commercial Cane Sugar) formula used throughout the industry for grower payments.

	~~In 1891~~, ~~CSR began subdividing its estate land, allowing farmers to purchase plots~~ and ~~supply cane to~~ the ~~mill independently. This scheme proved successful~~, and ~~by 1895, approximately 150 farmers were supplying the mill~~.~~<ref name="mackayhist" /> It was during its operations at Homebush that CSR helped develop~~ the ~~P.O.C.S. (Pure Obtainable Cane Sugar) formula~~, ~~which eventually evolved into the C.C.S. (Commercial Cane Sugar) formula used throughout the industry for grower payments~~.~~<ref name="mackayhist" />~~		The mill suffered significant damage during the [[1918 Mackay cyclone]]. Most buildings lost their roofs, and the locomotive running shed, stables, and barracks collapsed. Approximately one third of the 3,900 tons of stored sugar was lost to storm damage.

	The ~~mill suffered significant damage during~~ the ~~[[1918 Mackay cyclone]]~~. ~~Most buildings lost their roofs, and the locomotive running shed, stables~~, ~~and barracks collapsed. Approximately one third~~ of ~~the 3~~,~~900~~ tons ~~of stored sugar was lost to storm damage~~.<ref name="~~mackayhist~~" />		=== Closure ===
			By 1920, CSR faced legal difficulties regarding the regulation of cane prices and deemed the Homebush operation marginally profitable compared to its other assets. The company announced that the 1921 season would be its last. The final crush concluded on 6 January 1922, processing a record crop of 71,721 tons.<ref name="Kiddle">Kiddle. "Homebush, Queensland Facts for Kids".</ref>

	~~=== Tramways ===~~		Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].
	~~Homebush Mill was a pioneer in~~ the ~~use of locomotive-hauled tramways in~~ the ~~Queensland sugar industry. To support 24-hour crushing operations,~~ CSR ~~installed an extensive [[2 ft gauge\|two-foot (610 mm) gauge]] tramway network, distinct from the 3 ft 6 in gauge lines used by some competitors~~. ~~CSR ordered 50 miles of track, six locomotives, and 300~~ cane ~~wagons from~~ [[~~Decauville~~]] and [[~~John Fowler & Co.]] for its Homebush and [[Victoria~~ Mill~~\|Victoria~~]] ~~estates~~.~~<ref name="lrrsa" />~~

	~~One notable~~ locomotive, ~~"Homebush"~~ (~~Hudswell Clarke 1067~~ of ~~1914)~~, ~~operated at the mill~~ from ~~1915 until~~ its ~~closure, after which it was transferred to~~ Victoria Mill~~.<ref name="monument">Monument Australia. [https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/technology/industry/display/109724-centenary-of-homebush-steam-locomotive Centenary of Homebush Steam Locomotive~~]. ~~Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>~~		== Infrastructure ==
			=== Tramway ===
			Homebush Mill was a pioneer in the use of locomotive hauled tramways in the Queensland sugar industry. To support 24 hour crushing operations, CSR installed an extensive 610 mm (2 ft) gauge tramway network. CSR ordered 50 miles of track, six locomotives, and 300 cane wagons from [[Decauville]] and [[John Fowler & Co.]] for its Homebush and [[Victoria Mill]] estates.

	~~== Closure ==~~		One notable locomotive, "Homebush" (Hudswell Clarke 1067 of 1914), operated at the mill from 1915 until its closure, after which it was transferred to Victoria Mill.<ref name="Monument">Monument Australia. "Centenary of Homebush Steam Locomotive".</ref>
	~~By 1920~~, ~~CSR faced legal difficulties regarding the regulation~~ of ~~cane prices and deemed~~ the ~~Homebush operation marginally profitable compared to its other assets. The company announced that the 1921 season would be~~ its ~~last. The final crush concluded on 6 January 1922~~, ~~processing a record crop of 71,721 tons~~.<ref name="~~mackayhist~~" />~~<ref name=~~"~~kids~~"~~>Kiddle. [https://kids.kiddle.co/Homebush,_Queensland Homebush, Queensland Facts for Kids]. Retrieved 11 January 2026~~.</ref>

	Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].<ref name="~~mackayfamily~~" />		== Production Statistics ==
			{\| class="wikitable"
			! Statistic
			! Value
			\|-
			\| Average Annual Crush
			\| 65,000 tonnes
			\|-
			\| Final Season Crush (1921)
			\| 71,721 tons
			\|-
			\| Railway Gauge
			\| 610 mm (2 ft)
			\|-
			\| Status
			\| Closed and Dismantled
			\|}

	== ~~Former~~ Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>-21.~~26964585977915~~, 149.~~05252500143246~~</display_map>		<display_map>-21.26964, 149.05252</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs at 06:18, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T06:18:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 11 January 2026
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	\| owner = [[CSR Sugar]]		\| owner = [[CSR Sugar]]
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = ~~1,600~~,000 tonnes, seasonal average		\| crush = 65,000 tonnes, seasonal average prior to closure
	}}The '''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on [[Sandy Creek]] in the [[Mackay Region\|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.<ref name="mackayhist">Mackay History. [http://www.mackayhistory.org/research/sugar_mills/homebush.html Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>		}}The '''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on [[Sandy Creek]] in the [[Mackay Region\|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.<ref name="mackayhist">Mackay History. [http://www.mackayhistory.org/research/sugar_mills/homebush.html Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>

Bmhcjs at 06:17, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T06:17:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 11 January 2026
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	\| name = Homebush Mill		\| name = Homebush Mill
	\| image = Couillet (Decauville) locos bought by CSR for Homebush Mill. c1883 from the Brandon Collection. (John Oxley library No 6298-0001-0063r).jpg		\| image = Couillet (Decauville) locos bought by CSR for Homebush Mill. c1883 from the Brandon Collection. (John Oxley library No 6298-0001-0063r).jpg
	\| caption = ~~Racecourse~~ Mill. ~~2016. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kerry%20Raymond (Kerry Raymond)]~~		\| caption = Homebush Mill, circa 1883.
	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-21.~~164474532632777~~,149.~~13422366506873~~ 21.~~16447°~~ S, 149.~~13422°~~ E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-21.26964585977915,149.05252500143246 21.26964° S, 149.05252° E]
	\| region = [[Central Queensland Region\|Mackay]]		\| region = [[Central Queensland Region\|Mackay]]
	\| lga = [[Mackay Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Mackay Regional Council]]
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	Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].<ref name="mackayfamily" />		Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].<ref name="mackayfamily" />

	== Location ==		== Former Location ==
	<display_map>-21.~~164594429714306~~, 149.~~1348323906588~~</display_map>		<display_map>-21.26964585977915, 149.05252500143246</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs at 06:12, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T06:12:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 11 January 2026
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	{{Infobox Mill		{{Infobox Mill
	\| name = Homebush Mill		\| name = Homebush Mill
	\| image = ~~Racecourse Sugar~~ Mill~~, 2016~~.jpg		\| image = Couillet (Decauville) locos bought by CSR for Homebush Mill. c1883 from the Brandon Collection. (John Oxley library No 6298-0001-0063r).jpg
	\| caption = Racecourse Mill. 2016. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kerry%20Raymond (Kerry Raymond)]		\| caption = Racecourse Mill. 2016. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kerry%20Raymond (Kerry Raymond)]
	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-21.164474532632777,149.13422366506873 21.16447° S, 149.13422° E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-21.164474532632777,149.13422366506873 21.16447° S, 149.13422° E]

Bmhcjs at 06:11, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T06:11:19Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The '''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on [[Sandy Creek]] in the [[Mackay Region|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.<ref name="mackayhist">Mackay History. [http://www.mackayhistory.org/research/sugar_mills/homebush.html Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>
+{{Infobox Mill
 == History ==
@@ Line 25: / Line 37: @@
 Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].<ref name="mackayfamily" />
 == References ==
 <references />

Bmhcjs at 06:08, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T06:08:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 11 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Homebush Sugar Mill ==		The '''Homebush Mill''' was a raw sugar factory located on [[Sandy Creek]] in the [[Mackay Region\|Mackay]] district of [[Queensland]], Australia. Established by the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.<ref name="mackayhist">Mackay History. [http://www.mackayhistory.org/research/sugar_mills/homebush.html Homebush Sugar Mill, 1883-1922]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>

			== History ==
			=== Establishment ===
			The land comprising the Homebush run was originally selected by John Mackay in 1862 for grazing purposes. By the late 1870s, the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) sought to expand its operations into Queensland to counter competition from local white sugars against its New South Wales production.<ref name="mackayhist" />

			CSR purchased the Homebush selection in 1881. Unlike many contemporary mills that purchased cane from independent small growers, Homebush was established primarily as a plantation mill, with the company intending to cultivate large tracts of its own cane.<ref name="lrrsa">Light Railway Research Society of Australia. [https://www.lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGRb.htm Sugar cane transport]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref> Construction of the mill commenced in July 1881, utilising machinery ordered from [[Mirrlees, Tait and Watson]] of [[Glasgow]]. The factory was housed in a building measuring 60 by 33 metres and included two triple effets from the Fives-Lille Company.<ref name="mackayhist" />

			=== Operations ===
			The mill commenced crushing on 3 September 1883. It was designed with a capacity to treat between 45,000 and 50,000 tons of cane per season.<ref name="mackayhist" />

			Labour shortages were a persistent issue during the mill's early years. CSR initially imported Cingalese (Sri Lankan) and Chinese labourers in 1882, followed by Javanese workers in 1885. Following the prohibition of Javanese labour importation by the Dutch government in 1886, Japanese labourers were employed in the 1890s.<ref name="mackayfamily">Mackay Family History Society. [https://www.mackayfamilyhistory.org.au/homebush/ Homebush – glimpses of the past]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>

			In 1891, CSR began subdividing its estate land, allowing farmers to purchase plots and supply cane to the mill independently. This scheme proved successful, and by 1895, approximately 150 farmers were supplying the mill.<ref name="mackayhist" /> It was during its operations at Homebush that CSR helped develop the P.O.C.S. (Pure Obtainable Cane Sugar) formula, which eventually evolved into the C.C.S. (Commercial Cane Sugar) formula used throughout the industry for grower payments.<ref name="mackayhist" />

			The mill suffered significant damage during the [[1918 Mackay cyclone]]. Most buildings lost their roofs, and the locomotive running shed, stables, and barracks collapsed. Approximately one third of the 3,900 tons of stored sugar was lost to storm damage.<ref name="mackayhist" />

			=== Tramways ===
			Homebush Mill was a pioneer in the use of locomotive-hauled tramways in the Queensland sugar industry. To support 24-hour crushing operations, CSR installed an extensive [[2 ft gauge\|two-foot (610 mm) gauge]] tramway network, distinct from the 3 ft 6 in gauge lines used by some competitors. CSR ordered 50 miles of track, six locomotives, and 300 cane wagons from [[Decauville]] and [[John Fowler & Co.]] for its Homebush and [[Victoria Mill\|Victoria]] estates.<ref name="lrrsa" />

			One notable locomotive, "Homebush" (Hudswell Clarke 1067 of 1914), operated at the mill from 1915 until its closure, after which it was transferred to Victoria Mill.<ref name="monument">Monument Australia. [https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/technology/industry/display/109724-centenary-of-homebush-steam-locomotive Centenary of Homebush Steam Locomotive]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>

			== Closure ==
			By 1920, CSR faced legal difficulties regarding the regulation of cane prices and deemed the Homebush operation marginally profitable compared to its other assets. The company announced that the 1921 season would be its last. The final crush concluded on 6 January 1922, processing a record crop of 71,721 tons.<ref name="mackayhist" /><ref name="kids">Kiddle. [https://kids.kiddle.co/Homebush,_Queensland Homebush, Queensland Facts for Kids]. Retrieved 11 January 2026.</ref>

			Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the [[Farleigh Mill]] and later the [[Racecourse Mill]].<ref name="mackayfamily" />

			== References ==
			<references />

Bmhcjs: Bmhcjs moved page Homebush Sugar Mill to Homebush Mill

2026-01-10T06:55:14Z

Bmhcjs moved page Homebush Sugar Mill to Homebush Mill

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:55, 10 January 2026
(No difference)

Bmhcjs: Created page with "== Homebush Sugar Mill =="

2026-01-07T00:10:30Z

Created page with "== Homebush Sugar Mill =="

New page

== Homebush Sugar Mill ==